Systems and methods for optimizing smart mail

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems provide for creating and generating dynamic mailings which include providing for static and dynamic content to be included in a dynamically generated e-mail; establishing filters for determining dynamic content; establishing a generic e-mail including static and dynamic content; selecting dynamic content using the filters; generating a dynamic e-mail based upon the generic e-mail and the dynamic content selected; and transmitting the dynamically generated e-mail.

This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 11/034,781,filed on Jan. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,167 which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/536,712 filed on Jan.16, 2004, the entire contents of both which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety and for which priority is claimed under 35U.S.C. §120 and 35 U.S.C. §119(e), respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to network applications and morespecifically, to systems and methods for optimizing smart or dynamicmailings.

2. Description of Related Art

With the increase of commerce over the Internet, consumers are beingbombarded with advertisements and mailings that include blanketpromotions that do not dynamically take into account the consumer'spersonal needs and interests. Current mail systems store limitedinformation in mailing lists that may only include name, address, andannual income. As such, when a consumer receives a promotion through amailing, the consumer is not likely to seriously consider theinformation in the mailing, assuming the consumer opens the mailing atall. As such, not all, available information is taken advantage of.

Additionally, when a consumer completes a questionnaire, the questionsincluded in the questionnaire are presented to all of the consumersanswering the questions. Conventional questionnaires do not take intoaccount the information provided in the answered questions indetermining what questions should be asked next. For example, aquestionnaire may include questions like “Do you play golf?”, “Do youplay tennis?”, etc. If the person answers “Yes” to playing golf,conventional systems do not provide additional questions by trying tospecify the consumer's interest in golf. As such, the information thatis collected regarding the consumers is not utilized to its fullestextent in sending promotional information.

As such, there is a need for a system and method that optimizes smart ordynamic mailings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems, methods and computer-readable mediums consistent withprinciples of some embodiments of the present invention provide forgenerating dynamic mailings including providing for static and dynamiccontent to be included in a dynamically generated mailing; establishingfilters for determining dynamic content; establishing a generic mailingincluding static and dynamic content; selecting dynamic content usingthe filters;

generating a dynamic mailing based upon the generic mailing and thedynamic content selected; and transmitting the dynamically generatedmailing.

Alternatively, systems, methods and computer-readable mediums consistentwith some embodiments of the present invention provide for providing forat least one static content and at least one dynamic content; andgenerating at least one dynamic mailing including at least one of staticand dynamic content wherein the inclusion of the at least one dynamiccontent is determined by applying at least one filter associated withthe at least one dynamic content.

Alternatively, systems, methods and computer-readable mediums consistentwith some embodiments of the present invention provide for obtaininginformation for use in dynamic mailings, the method including providinga user an opportunity to opt-into a system; upon receipt of confirmationof an opt-in, querying the user with at least one processed-basedquestion; storing the response to the at least one question asinformation and storing an association between the information and theuser; and generating a dynamic mailing including content that isselected based on the stored information.

Alternatively, systems, methods and computer-readable mediums consistentwith some embodiments of the present invention provide for obtaininginformation for use in dynamic mailings, the method including providinga user an opportunity to opt-into a system; upon receipt of confirmationof an opt-in, querying the user with at least one processed-basedquestion; storing the response to the at least one question asinformation and storing an association between the information and theuser; and generating a dynamic mailing including content that isselected based on the stored information.

Alternatively, systems, methods and computer-readable mediums consistentwith some embodiments of the present invention provide for generating amailing campaign including providing a set of tools; allowing the userto access the tools to create a template by designating and formattingat least one area; enabling the user to associate content with the atleast one designated and formatted area; enabling a preview mode whereinthe user may preview the template; and utilizing the template in amailing campaign.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary system environment for implementing the featuresconsistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the components of a clientcomputer, consistent with principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the components of a servercomputer, consistent with principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 depicts exemplary data provided by a user in creating a generice-mail consistent with principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4A-4I depict exemplary screen displays presented to a user forgenerating mailing content, consistent with the principles of someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a process performed byserver computer in utilizing inferred profiles to create dynamicmailings, consistent with principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of a process performed byserver computer in processing mailings through a spam filter, consistentwith principles of some embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7D depict exemplary reports that may be generated consistentwith principles of some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary system environment for implementing thefeatures consistent with some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary process performed within the systemenvironment as the consumer schedules tee times consistent with someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary flow diagraph of the steps performed ingenerating dynamic mailings consistent with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the features of the principlesof the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Methods and systems consistent with some embodiments of the presentinvention provide for creating custom dynamic packages for opt-in e-mailrecipients based upon a rules-based conflict resolution system that candetermine whether or not individual selects or criterion, when combined,are mutually exclusive or acceptable and allows for the purchase ofgenuinely desired combinations. The system further determines themake-up of unique customized postcards or e-mails by utilizing arules-based system in order to maximize the end result for the consumer(potential customer). The system resolves conflicting choices orcombinations by creating a system of selects or criterion. The systemallows a user to create his own conflict resolution system thatsupercedes ones from the system engine. The system creates a rankingsystem where the user decides what criterion or selects are important increating the e-mail and allows for a specific value/weight for eachindividual characteristic. The system further ensures that not everyoneon a list will end up with the default e-mail (template).

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems foroptimizing smart mail. In systems consistent with features of some ofembodiments of the present invention, users may create and send smartmail, or dynamic mail, by creating custom marketing packages torecipients, or consumers, who opt into a commerce system. By utilizingan HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) formatting tool, the user may createmailings including custom, static, and dynamic content and, usingfilters, determine recipients of the mailings from a database includingconsumers who opt into the system. Upon receipt of the custom mailing,the recipients, or consumers, may act on the marketing included in themailing using additional tools located on a network. The user's actionsperformed after receipt of the mailing may be stored in the system forfurther use. For exemplary purposes, the custom mailings may bedescribed with respect to vacation packages. However, it may beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the principlesconsistent with some embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented with any type of marketing scheme.

System Architecture

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a system environment 100 forimplementing the principles consistent with some embodiments of thepresent invention. The components of system environment 100 can beimplemented through any suitable combinations of hardware, software,and/or firmware. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes a plurality ofclient devices 102 and 104 communicating with server 108 via network106. While client device 102 is discussed herein, all features discussedwith respect to client device 102 may similarly be applied to clientdevice 104. Further, while only two client devices are depicted in FIG.1, it may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that moreclient devices may operate within the system environment. Network 106may be implemented as the Internet. It may further be appreciated thatnetwork 106 may be implemented as any local or wide area network, eitherpublic or private. It may further be appreciated that there may beadditional networks operating in environment 106 wherein additionalclient devices may interact with server 112.

System environment 100 further includes database 110 communicably linkedto server 108, server 112, which may act as an intermediary serverbetween client devices 102 and 104, financial institution server 114,hotel or resort server 116, together with a communicably linked database118, Tlinks server 120, and entertainment tickets provider server 122.Servers 114, 116, 120, and 112 may communicate with server 108 in orderto schedule those offers that are included in custom mailings. It may beappreciated that additional servers, communicably liked to server 108,may reside on network 106 that provide services to consumers. Consumers,using client devices 102 and 104 may access server 108 through network108. Users, through server computers, i.e., server 116, may accessserver 108 through network 106.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary block diagram of client device 102 that maybe implemented in system environment 100, consistent with the principlesof some embodiments of the present invention. Client device 102 may beimplemented as a personal computer, a workstation, or any personalhandheld device, i.e., a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellulartelephone, or any other device that is capable of operating, eitherdirectly or indirectly, on network 106. As shown in FIG. 2, clientdevice 102 includes memory 202, network interface application 204,secondary storage 206, application software 208, central processing unit(CPU) 210, and input/output devices 212. Network interface 204 may beimplemented as any conventional browser application to facilitateinteraction with applications on server 108 on network 106. Input/outputdevices 212 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a video cam,a display, a storage device, and/or a printer. Client device 102 may becommunicably linked with server computer 108 using application software208.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary block diagram of server computer 108 thatmay be implemented in system environment 100, consistent with theprinciples of some embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3, server computer 108 includes CPU 302, memory 304, input/outputdevices 306, secondary storage 308, dynamic data profilingsystem/comments module 310, dynamic integration module 312, list brokermanagement module 314, efficiency of delivery module 316, HTMLformatting tool module 318, load balancer module 320, on-line bookingwizard module 322, dynamic content module 324, database application 326,and resource optimization module 328.

Dynamic Content Module

The dynamic content module 324 allows the user to input content that maybe utilized in creating a dynamically generated e-mail. Content may be,for example, images or graphics, text, uploaded custom HTML, raw HTMLcode, HTML code using HTML editor as discussed herein, etc. Content may,for example, include information that defines the source of the e-mail.For example, if the user's organization was a hotel, one piece ofcontent may include the hotel's logo. Additionally, content may includetext that the user may input to relay some piece of information to aconsumer. For example, the text may advise the consumer of someparticular amenities that the hotel provides.

Content may additionally be static or dynamic. For example, staticcontent is content that is included in the generic e-mail and is sent toall recipients of the e-mail. Examples of static content include, forexample source information such as logos, contact information, imagesrelating to the source of the e-mail such as a picture of the hotel,etc. However, dynamic content may only be sent depending upon whetherthe recipient satisfies certain conditions or filters set by the user.For example, the hotel may have a golf promotion where the consumer maypay one flat fee for the green fees, clubs, and cart. This promotion mayonly be sent to those consumers that play golf. As such, this piece ofcontent may be created as a dynamic component whereby only thoseconsumers who have previously indicated that they enjoy golf, as storedin their profile information, generated by the dynamic data profilingmodule, and identified using the filter(s) may receive this promotion.Both static and dynamic content are dynamic components that are used tocreate the generic e-mail.

In addition to providing content, the user may create different ratesthat are associated which each of the dynamic components. FIG. 4 depictsa chart that lists each of the dynamic components and the rates that areassociated with each of the dynamic components. For example, content 1has M number of rates associated with it. A rate may be implemented asthe cost that is associated with that particular piece of content. Forexample, a three-night stay at a hotel may have a rate of $300associated with it. If this piece of content was included in themailing, then the rate would be considered in generating the total costof the package.

Once the user provides the dynamic components and the rates, the usermay establish buckets that are used to fill the dynamic content of thee-mail. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, bucket 1 includes two optionsto fill one dynamic component in the e-mail, namely content 1 andcontent 3. Additionally, the user sets each bucket as either mandatoryor optional. If the bucket is set as mandatory, the one dynamiccomponent must be selected for use in the e-mail. If the bucket is setas optional, then, one dynamic component may be selected for use in thee-mail, but, if, after the filters are applied, no piece of content maybe applied, then no piece of content may be selected for inclusion inthe mailing.

Each bucket additionally includes at least one filter that is utilizedin determining which dynamic component is used in the e-mail. Each pieceof content may be associated with a filter. In creating the filters, theuser may provide at least one criterion that the consumer satisfies inorder to determine which dynamic component is used. For example, content1 may include an offer for 3 days, 2 nights representing a high-endroom. Content 2 may include an offer for 4 days, 3 nights, representingan economy room. The user may create a filter, which searches theconsumer profiles to determine if there is a preference for high-endrooms. If a consumer has a preference for a high-end room, then content1 would be included in the e-mail. If the consumer does not have apreference for a high-end room, then content 1 would not be insertedinto the e-mail.

Additionally, each mandatory bucket includes an indication of a defaultdynamic component, wherein if the consumer does not have any preferencefor either a high-end or a low-end room, using the example set forthabove, the default dynamic component may be inserted into the e-mail.

A secondary filter may be associated with each bucket whereby if twodynamic components are selected based upon the primary filter, thesecondary filter may be used to narrow the selection to only one dynamiccomponent per bucket. Alternatively, the primary filter may beimplemented to prioritize that which is important to the user where thesecondary filter may be implemented to prioritize that which isimportant to the consumer. The highest priority identified from thesecondary filter may then be selected as the piece from content fromthat bucket.

In addition to the above, rules may be established either by the user orby an administrator to prevent mutually exclusive pieces of content frombeing incorporated within the same mailing. For example, rules may beestablished where a consumer who is being offered a trip for two nightsmay not be offered a three-night stay at a hotel. These rules may beapplied during the creation stage of the mailing or just prior to themailing being sent. If a mailing violates any of the rules entered bythe user or the administrator, one of ordinary skill in the art mayappreciate that the mailing may be corrected in a number of ways, forexample, replacing the objectionable content with acceptable content,removing the objectionable content, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, bucket 3 is set as an optional bucket. As such, ifthe at least one primary filter does not produce a selection of anydynamic components, then no dynamic components may be selected from thatbucket. There may be no default association with any of the dynamiccomponents.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that althoughthree buckets are illustrated, more buckets may be implemented. Thelayout of the generic e-mail is discussed with regard the HTMLformatting tool module discussed below.

In order to dynamically generate the e-mail, the system matches a listof consumers with the filters included in the buckets. Depending uponwhich criteria included in the filters the consumers satisfy, themailing is created using the dynamic components as laid out in the HTMLformatting tool module. Additionally, as each dynamic component from theeach bucket is selected, the system totals the rates so that the totalamount of the package may be noted in the e-mail. Additionally, an offercode may be generated that is unique to the combination of dynamiccomponents generated. The e-mail may further include an individual codeidentifying the particular consumer.

The e-mail may further include a URL where the consumer may accessadditional information relating to the promotion included in the e-mail.In order to make a purchase on the web page or by calling a designatednumber included within the postcard, the consumer may be provided withan offer code. Alternatively, if the purchase is done on the web, nooffer code may need to be inputted as the consumer, as, upon clicking onthe link or URL, the consumer may be sent to a web page with an offercorresponding to the offer code. Alternatively, if the consumer calls adesignated number to complete his/her purchase, the consumer may berequired to give the offer code to the operator who will know throughthe offer code what package the customer was offered. Each offer code isunique for each individual package, but different individuals may besupplied with the same offers and, therefore, the same offer code. Thecustomer (i.e., e-mail recipient, facsimile recipient, postcardrecipient, etc.) can call the user directly without operator oradministrator intervention. Alternatively, there may be an offer codeand an individual code included within each postcard or e-mail so thatboth the package, and the specific individual offered that package, willbe able to be determined when the codes are produced for thereservation/purchase system by the user.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that where thedisclosure discusses formatting and sending an e-mail, alternatively,other forms of mailings may be generated, i.e., a facsimile, a hard copyfor mailing through U.S. Postal Service, etc.

Alternatively, this dynamic e-mail capability may be used to generateautomatic RFPs (Request for Proposals) from a supplier that hasdifferent profile elements that can be generated dynamically to buyersrequesting proposals for such requested venues. For example, numerousproviders, i.e., large hotel chains, have, in database 110, profileinformation relating to each of their properties. When Company A, i.e.,JP Morgan, submits a RFP, in response to the RFP, the providers, usingsome of the features discussed herein, may dynamically generate aresponse to the RFP, in the form of an e-mail. This is accomplished byquerying database 110 and accessing information responding to therequirements of the RFP.

HTML Formatting Tool Module

The HTML Formatting Tool module allows a user to create an entire emailblast through an easy to use tool that provides to a user a page layoutmode for creating any style of mailing format including images (i.e.,gif and jpeg format), html text, and entire preconceived HTML uploadsand including all Zmail component operations, including the modulesdiscussed herein. The tool also includes a view page mode allowing forthe precise placement of such content, and a preview page mode thatallows for the previewing of how the actual email will look when it isdelivered. The predictive nature is to give the user an easy touse/intuitive tool (much like Microsoft Word® is to creating letters) toa novice user for the creation of HTML email messages that give them 98%of free form screen painter (dealing with HTML limitations) yetformatting the layout of the HTML email message automatically so that itprevents any type of conflict from being created (typical for most freeform tools) and allows the user to design, create and send the emailwith minimal editing challenges. The same interface for the creation ofthe HTML email messages is used to create all of the web pages, eventdriven pages, referral pages, and sweepstakes operations that play outas additional components for use within the system platform.

Using the HTML formatting module, a user may create a layout of thegeneric mailing. FIGS. 4A-4I depict exemplary screen diagrams presentedto a user for facilitating the generation of a content or generice-mail. As shown in FIG. 4A, the user may build the layout of themailing from the top down. This layout may identify where the userwishes to have certain content placed in the generic mailing. The usermay select from the line options 402. As shown in FIG. 4A, the user hasselected the first line using option 404. Section 406 provides the userwith the line options he has selected. For example, the user has theoption to right, center, or left align section. Additionally, the usermay move the line up or down on the page layout. Additionally, the usermay delete the line. Advanced options 408 provide the user with theability to set additional formatting, for example, pixel width, for eachof the line options selected.

As depicted in FIG. 4B, the user has selected line option 410 as thesecond line in the generic e-mail. As depicted in FIG. 4C, the user hasselected line option 412 as the third line in the generic e-mail. FIG.4D allows the user to add border content using the drop-down menus. Theuser may additionally select colors for the background and text. Uponselection of the View page button, the user is presented with theexemplary screen display depicted in FIG. 4E. The pencils shown in thefigure help the user to determine each of the dynamic componentsincluded in the generic e-mail. Upon selecting the Preview page button,the user may preview what the created mailing looks like upon exitingthe HTML Formatter module as depicted in FIG. 4F.

Once the user has created the page layout, the user may load imagesand/or text to fill each of the components created in the generice-mail. FIG. 4G depicts an exemplary screen display presented to theuser to identify what type of content the user wishes to insert in theareas he has established in FIGS. 4A-4C. As can be seen in FIG. 4G, theuser may select to insert a graphic, custom formatted text, uploadedHTML, raw HTML, etc. If the user selects to insert a graphic, the usermay be presented with an exemplary screen display as depicted in FIG.4H. FIG. 4H depicts a list of the images that are stored in the systemthat the user may select from. The user may select from the stored list,load additional images for storage at server 108, add text to fill thecomponents of the generic e-mail, etc. Additionally, the user may selectto type in raw HTML using the HTML editing tool, an example of which isdepicted in FIG. 4I. As can be seen in FIG. 4I, the user may select thejustification of the text, the vertical positioning of the text, thebackground color of the area, format font size, color, etc., andadditionally may insert links within the area. It may be appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art that the HTML editing tool may beutilized to format many different aspects of the text to be insertedknown to one skilled in the art and the disclosure herein should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the functionality of the tool.

A feature of the HTML formatting tool is that it allows a user to createan e-mail that includes multiple-parts where each part can be builtusing different tools. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4C, the user mayidentify multiple areas in a mailing for different pieces of content.Each piece of content may be utilized for different purposes, i.e., asweepstakes area, an offer area, a refer-a-friend area wherein if theconsumer refers a friend to opt-in, the user may receive additionalsweepstakes entries, etc. Further, as depicted in FIG. 4G, each of theseareas may be formatted using different tools and different types ofcontent, i.e., text, graphics, etc.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the usermay use alternate methods for editing different characteristics ofcontent, including, font, size, color, appearance, etc.

Dynamic Data Profiling System Module

The dynamic data profiling system module may be built out of anincentive sweepstakes system that is designed to earn the interest of anopt-in recipient enough to answer a limited number, i.e., four, of quickquestions. By answering these limited number of questions, this allowsthe opt-in recipient (or commonly referred to “recipient” or the“consumer” herein) to earn an unlimited number of entries to win thesweepstakes incentive. The dynamic data profiling system provides newquestions, i.e., four, every time that the opt-in recipient wants tore-enter the sweepstakes.

The profiling system is built on the platform that the sweepstakesprovider has an easy manner in which to enter free form processed basedquestions of any type, and also creating predictive answer results thatare known to the provider. However, by having the opt-in recipientanswer that question, the predictive answer result leads to the creationof a rich profile built on the recipient leading the provider to fullyunderstand what motivates that particular customer to their service orproduct. The questioning system is further supported by a questionhierarchy system that allows for the prioritization of such question andthe predictiveness of what tract of questioning patterns to present tothe opt-in recipient based on answers to previously answered questions.For example, the question might be asked, “Do you play golf?” If theanswer is “yes” to the question, then a tract of predefined golfquestions are then subsequently asked. If the answer is “no”, then thequestioning proceeds to another branch that includes questions relatedto other possible interests of the recipient, non-golf related, tofurther understand what that particular interests of the recipient maybe, for example, “do you like to play tennis.”

A feature of the question hierarchy implementation is an extremely easyto understand user interface that combines the concept of using binarytrees, with an intuitive use of all Boolean operators to create anentire circle of questioning patterns that does not lead the opt-inrecipient into a “dead end” of a certain questioning tract. The Booleansystem allows for the creating a “bridges” or “branches” into otherpredefined questioning tracts constantly building a rich profile on thechanging interests of the opt-in recipient.

The dynamic data profiling system module may be the heart of the opt-incommerce system whereby a consumer may view a sweepstakes opportunityon, for example, a web site. In order to the enter the sweepstakes, theconsumer must provide their name and contact information, in addition toanswering a limited number of questions, i.e., four. The consumer hasthe ability to enter the sweepstakes any number of times. However, eachtime the consumer enters the sweepstakes a limited number of newquestions may be presented to the consumer. The questions that arepresented to the consumer may be based on prior answers provided by theconsumer. This may be accomplished through the use of database 110 or acookie look-up. For example, as the consumer enters their identifyinginformation, i.e., their name, e-mail address, etc., the database may bequeried to determine what questions, if any, have been previously askedto the consumer. Alternatively, this information may be obtained througha cookie-look-up. Based on the result of the determination, additionalquestions are presented based upon prior answers provided by theconsumer. As the consumer answers each of these questions, the answersare associated with that consumer and may be stored in a database. Eachadditional time the consumer enters the sweepstakes, more new questionsare presented to the consumer, thereby creating a rich profile includinginformation about the consumer. These answers may be used in determiningwhat custom mailings and which dynamic components may be included in ane-mail that may be sent to the consumer at a later time.

It may be appreciated that additional information may be obtained fromdifferent sources. For example, where the consumer has completed anysurvey that may be associated with any users, or service providerslocated on network 106, the answers may be stored in database 110 andused for determining additional custom mailings.

Additionally, the consumer has the ability to submit referralinformation referring the sweepstakes sponsors to the referred consumer.By providing valid referred consumer, i.e., valid e-mail or snail mailaddresses, the consumer who provided the referrals may benefit byreceiving additional entries to the sweepstakes, i.e., 20 entries. Thisprovides incentive for the consumers to provide valid referrals and, atthe same time, provides the sweepstakes sponsors with additionalconsumers to load into their database. With each valid referral, newconsumers are added to the database. As each new consumer enters thesweepstakes, the new consumer answers the questions posed and theanswers to the questions are stored, thereby creating a rich profile forthe new consumers.

The questions are created by the user through application software 208while accessing server 108. Depending upon the type of organization theuser represents, the user may create questions that are directed tothose particular services that the user's organization offers. Forexample if the user is a hotel, then the user may provide questions thatare directed to services offered by the hotel. These questions mayinclude: “How often would you like to hear from us?”; “Do you playgolf?”; “What time of the year do you like to travel”; etc. By askinghow often the consumer would like to hear from the user, the user mayoffer tempting offers without trying the consumer's patience.Additionally, by providing offers that target the consumer's interests,the consumer is more likely to read and consider the offer by the user.The custom mailing is an offer that the consumer would likely beinterested in based upon previously cited interests.

The questions may be presented to the consumer where the consumer wouldprovide a single or multiple answer, i.e., “What month do you like tovisit Florida?”, or “What months do you like to visit South Carolina?”.This allows the system to anticipate the next round of questions basedupon the answers provided by the consumer. For example, if the consumerindicated that he plays golf, the subsequent questions may includeadditional information regarding the consumer's interests in golf. Ifthe consumer indicates that he is not interested in playing golf, noadditional questions regarding golf are presented to the consumer. Oncethe consumer indicates that he does not play golf, additional questionsmay be presented to the consumer to ascertain what the interests of theconsumer are. For example, “Do you play tennis?”; “Do you enjoy thetheater?”; “Do you enjoy spas?”, etc. By providing a processed-basedquestions with predictive answer results, a rich profile of the consumermay be created. This profile may be utilized to ascertain which custommailings the consumer may receive in the future. Additionally, theconsumer may be presented with a question such as “How often would youlike to hear from us?”. This provides useful information in that theconsumer may not be saturated with offers that he is not interested in.If the consumer indicates that he would only like to hear from server108 3 times per year, only 3 e-mails including information relating topromotions may be sent.

The dynamic data profiling system module may further provide open-endedquestions to the consumer. For example, if the consumer cancels areservation, this module may provide the user the ability to generate aquestionnaire to be presented to the consumer that includes open-endedquestions. These comments may be stored at server 108 where the user mayread and consider the consumer's comments. These comments may besearchable so that the user may locate all comments, for example, thatinclude the words “poor service”, etc.

It may be appreciated that value added reseller server 112 may assistthe user in creating questions in such a manner that the consumer'sinterest may be acquired more efficiently by selecting which questionsare presented to the consumer and when.

As these questions are presented to and answered by the consumer, a richprofile is created including information relating to demographic,lifestyle, geographic, purchase information, etc. The information isstored in a database and is accessed and is used to determine whatoffers should be presented to the consumer.

In addition to the above functionality, the system allows forintegration of third party data by determining how prospective consumersor recipients are identified based upon their stored preferences. Thesystem then enables mapping or association from one classification ofpreferences to a newly created classification of preferences in order tomore efficiently enable the application of filters. For example, theuser wants to create a question that asks what the preferred length ofstay of a consumer is, and provides three possible answers as follows:“1 week”, “2 weeks”, and “more than 2 weeks.” However, the databasestores preferences for consumers in a “day” unit. As such, a mapping maybe created that accesses the prospective consumer or recipient list andmaps the stored “day” information to one of the three possible answers.Thus, a consumer who previously indicated that he like to stay 8 dayswould be mapped to the “2 weeks” category.

Resource Optimization Module

Through the delivery of a mailing, a system is created by which theconsumer is lured back to a web site based on the ability to receive acomparable offer promoted through the original mailing and tracking theclick-through back to the web site from the mailing. This may beaccomplished by providing a URL or link to a web site that includesadditional information regarding the promotion in the mailing and/orinformation regarding alternative promotions. The system may track allof the link click-throughs on the web site building a temporary inferredprofile. If the consumer does not make a purchase event through the website visit, then an additional mailing may then be dynamically generatedand sent back to them displaying a similar package based on theirinferred profile” or click-through interest with some type of additionalincentive to purchase. The consumer's inferred profile may beadditionally stored in database 110.

Thus, the system, consistent with principles of some embodiments of thepresent invention, provides for additionally storing inferred profiles.These inferred profiles are generated by tracking the click-throughs onthe web site. For example, if the consumer, in accessing the web site,accessed information about golf packages and spas, the system may storethis information in an inferred profile. If the consumer does not takeadvantage of the promotion in the mailing, the system may generateadditional marketing materials based on the inferred profile. Forexample, the system may access promotions that are related to golf andthe spa and generate a dynamic mailing offering additional packagesrelated to golf and the spa.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of the process performed byserver computer 108 in utilizing inferred profiles to create dynamice-mails. As shown in FIG. 5, server 108 receives information that aconsumer is accessing promotional information in accordance withinformation received from a previous promotional mailing (Step 502). Asthe consumer clicks through the web site, server 108 tracks and storesthe consumer's click-throughs (Step 504). After the consumer has leftthe web site, server 108 determines whether or not the consumerpurchased anything related to the promotional information (Step 506). Ifthe consumer made a purchase (Step 506, Yes), processing ends and nofurther e-mail may be sent at that time. If the consumer did not makeany purchase (Step 506, No), server 108 generates and stores inferredprofile information (Step 508). This inferred profile information mayinclude any type of information the consumer accessed while browsing theweb site. Sever 108 may then compare the inferred profile informationwith any available promotions (Step 510). For example, if the consumerwas accessing golf packages, the system may search for any availablegolf promotions and include one or more golf promotions in the nextpromotion. If there are available promotions based upon the inferredprofile, the system may generate and send a dynamic e-mail including thenew promotions based upon the inferred profile (Step 512).Alternatively, an e-mail may be send to the consumer upon a consumer'saction, i.e., access of a certain web page. For example, if a useraccesses a web page including technical specifications for a vehicle, ane-mail may be generated including an incentive or offer, i.e., offeringthe consumer incentive to contact the local vehicle dealer for adiscount on a purchase.

Dynamic Integration Module

The system, consistent with principles of some embodiments of thepresent invention, is designed to interface into existing third partyapplications through SQL procedural calls, API (application programminginterface) integration or automated batch mode file export/importtechniques that transfers appropriate data from the third party systeminto the system for further segmentation and/or targeted e-mail deliverybased on certain events or triggers. For example, a user may query thesystem for all consumers who booked a particular type of package lastyear in a consumer history file and based on when they came last year,send the consumer another e-mail this year, 45 days before a year fromtheir last visit, and offer them the same package with an additionalincentive while considering their stored dynamically profiledinformation.

Additionally, the incentive to come back again on the same package maybe based on a dynamically created incentive based on a profile intereststored in the Zmail database 110. The system is further supported bycreating dynamically generated emails based on such events and triggersusing calendar seasonality of current events/offerings and/or profileinterests. For example, a welcome e-mail can be generated to theconsumer 7 days before they arrive on a vacation package reconfirmingtheir particulars and also advising the consumer of the current eventshappening in the area of the vacation location and/or promoting certainattractions to the recipient based on the profile interests of therecipient stored in the system. For example, if the consumer's profileindicates they enjoy Italian food, golf and theater, the e-mail maypromote a new golf course relationship, a great Italian restaurantrelationship, and the a certain theater show relationship established bythe initial provider. The welcome e-mail may additionally include linksto each of these promoted venues to place reservations, provide purchaseopportunities, etc. Additionally, the welcome e-mail may promote certainactivities relating to the appropriate season. For example, if theconsumer is vacationing during the summer, the welcome e-mail mayinclude promotional information relating to water sports. However, ifthe consumer is visiting in the winter, the welcome e-mail may promotesnow sports.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatinformation may be obtained from other web sites and included in thewelcome e-mail. For example, the Chamber of Commerce of the town wherethe hotel is located at may include a list of current events. Thisinformation may be automatically acquired from certain web sites andstored in database 110. At the time the welcome e-mail is generated, thedate period and location may be searched and whatever events are storedmay be inserted into the welcome e-mail to advise the consumer of thecurrent events in the town during the time period the consumer isvisiting.

List Broker Management Module

The list broker management module creates an incentive opt-inregistration system on a web site that uses the dynamic profiling systemto turn anonymous web site visitors into well-profiled recipients eitherthrough further email correspondence using the profiling/targetingtechnology, or web site inferred profile. The module further builds aconsumer's inferred profile based on click-throughs after opt-inregistration to create profile reports available to the general publicto access and generate list rental requests providing list brokerrevenue for the web site owner. The system may further be supported bythe ability to offer the general public to access the tools discussedherein to build the desired email blast, which may include the act ofsending out a set of dynamically generated e-mails, sending out a fullycreated e-mail under the web site owner's account and matching thee-mail blast against a desired list rental offered by the web siteowner. Additionally, if the list rental prospect is a current client oruser and wants to run a desired e-mail blast against a list rental froma user's own web site, then the list rental prospect would be able torequest a certain unique access code from the web site owner that, whenmatched against the e-mail blast, automatically segments the desiredlist rental from the web site owner's account on the server and createsa temporary push list or filter that is then matched to the list rentalprospect's desired e-mail blast built using their own user's account,complete with all components discussed herein, such as incentive opt-indata profiling, interest and incentive level viral referrals(refer-a-friend), etc., to receive the extra added benefits of thesystem.

For example, a local television station may maintain a list of consumersthat have opted into receiving dynamically generated emails or singlefilter e-mails through a sweepstakes as discussed above. The televisionstation may learn that a local car dealership may have a promotion fordiscounts on new cars. The television station may, in conjunction withthe local car dealer, look to promote a certain marketing event at thecar dealership. The television station may, as a list broker,dynamically generate e-mails, and, using the television station'sconsumer list, send out the dynamically generated e-mail to theirconsumer list including the promotion from the local car dealer. In thisinstance, although the e-mail is being sent from the television station,the content of the e-mail promotes an event at the local car dealership.The e-mail may include a link to the car dealership that includesinformation regarding the marketing event. This e-mail may includefilters that only send the e-mail to consumers who satisfy certainrequirements using filters, i.e., consumers who have shown interestwithin the past 3 months.

Efficiency of Delivery Module

The efficiency of delivery module assists in creating e-mails that maynot be blocked by spam filters. Once a dynamic e-mail is generated, thee-mail is sent through a simulated spam filter, i.e., SPAM Assassin®,where the e-mail is evaluated to determine if the e-mail would beblocked from being sent. Once the e-mail is evaluated, a report isgenerated that indicates any content in the e-mail that may prevent thee-mail from be successfully sent. Additionally, the efficiency ofdelivery module provides an overall score of the e-mail. If the score ismore than a predetermined amount, the system indicates to the user thatthe e-mail would likely be blocked. Using the information in the report,the user may change the text in the e-mail and resubmit the e-mail tothe simulated spam filter to determine if the corrected e-mail wouldlikely be blocked.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary flow diagram of the process performed by theserver computer 108 in processing mailings through a spam filter. Forexample, upon generating the dynamically created e-mail, the user maysubmit the e-mail through a spam filter (Step 602). Upon receipt of thee-mail at the spam filter, the system processes the e-mail to determineif the e-mail is likely to be blocked based upon its content (Step 604).Upon completion of the processing, the system generates a report thatspecifically identifies any content that the spam filter identifies asobjectionable. For example, the report may include a notation that thee-mail included three recitations of the word “Free,” or the fontincluded in the e-mail is red. The system further generates an overallscore of the e-mail. For example, the system may determine that, basedupon the content of the e-mail, the e-mail scored a 7.9 where any scoreover, for example, 7.5, will be blocked by the spam filter. The systemthen determines whether the e-mail should be modified based upon thescore given (Step 606). For example, as 7.9 is greater than 7.5, thee-mail would likely be blocked. If the system determines that the e-mailshould be modified, the system allows the user to modify the e-mailbased on the indications in the report provided to the user (Step 606,Yes). The e-mail may then be modified (Step 608), and processingproceeds to Step 602. If the system determines that the e-mail does notneed modifying, (Step 606, No), then the e-mail may be sent (Step 610).

Alternatively, the e-mail may be modified automatically depending uponthe type of correction. For example, if the system determines that thee-mail needs to be modified, the system may utilize the informationincluded in the report to attempt to reduce the e-mail's score. Forexample, if system determines there is red font, the system mayautomatically change the font to green, thus reducing the score.Additionally, the system may automatically change objectionable text inthe e-mail to acceptable text. The system may then automaticallyre-submit the e-mail to the spam filter where processing returns to Step602.

Additionally, the efficiency of delivery module reviews and tests thee-mail to provide for efficiency of delivery. For example, theefficiency of delivery module tests the links included in the e-mail toensure they are valid links. If the links are not valid, an errormessage will be presented to the user. The efficiency of delivery modulemay further test to see if there is any obscene information in thee-mail and provide an error message to the user, the user's supervisor,or both.

Additionally, the efficiency of delivery module may provide for multiplelog-ins for users in order to ensure that only certain users have theability to send out the dynamically generated e-mails. For example,lower level users may only have the ability to create dynamiccomponents, filters, etc., while the lower level users may not be ableto actually send out the e-mail. This prevents the situation whereinappropriate e-mails are being out. Should an inappropriate e-mail besent, this may create a situation where the opt-in customers interest istainted by receiving an inappropriate e-mail. By providing for multiplelevel log-ins, users may only access those features of the system towhich they have permission.

Additionally, the system evaluates all e-mails that are sent in aneffort to ensure that a proper e-mail is being sent. For example,immediately prior to sending an e-mail, the e-mail may be processedthrough an internal spam filter, i.e., similar to the filter discussedabove, in an attempt to identify inappropriate content. The system mayfurther include predetermined thresholds. The inappropriate contentidentified during the processing through the spam filter may be comparedwith the predetermined thresholds in order to determine if the e-mailmay be sent. If the content exceeds the predetermined thresholds, thee-mail may not be sent.

Load Balancer Module

The load balancer module operates by automatically generating regular ordynamic content e-mails which are automatically created and deliveredbased on the interface into an existing third party application thatachieves a certain amount of desired revenue production based on thecapacity to support the availably of such product, service, or inventorycomponent.

Where the user's organization is a hotel, the load balancer module maystore information regarding the bookings per number of e-mails sent. Forexample, the system may store statistical information that, for example,in previous mailings, based upon 10,000 e-mails sent, the hotel booked20% of their rooms. This information may be utilized in ensuring optimalbookings. For example, upon reviewing the vacancy for the month ofFebruary, the user may note there is a 20% vacancy, where only a 10%vacancy is desired. By accessing the load balancer module, the user mayindicate a deficiency of 10%. Based upon the previously storedinformation, and a previously stored generic e-mail, the load balancermay send out, either automatically, or based on user assistance, asufficient number of e-mails to attract consumers to fill the 10%deficiency. Alternatively, the system may conduct a random samplingusing filters to attempt to fill the deficiency. If the whole deficiencyis not filled, or the system may identifies a need for more bookings,then, using additional filters, another random sampling may be sent,excluding those from the first email blast.

The user may configure the system, i.e., to request a certain percentageoccupancy rate depending upon the season, i.e., 80%, occupancy duringtheir busiest season and 60% during their slowest season. Periodically,the load balancer module may query the user's database, i.e., database118, to determine what the current vacancy rate is an adjust the dynamice-mails being sent in an effort to attain the user's designatedoccupancy rate. This may be accomplished by varying the occupancy rateto approach and equal the designated occupancy rate as the designatedseason approaches. This may further be accomplished by interfacing intoexisting third party applications through SQL procedural calls, API(application programming interface) integration or automated batch modefile export/import techniques and query the appropriate data from thethird party system for use in the ZMail system.

On-Line Booking Wizard Module

The on-line booking wizard module facilitates the actual multiplebookings once a customer has accepted a promotion included in a mailing.For example, the consumer has received a mailing that promotes a hotelrate for a particular time period, a round of golf for a particular timeperiod, and theater tickets for a particular show at a particular time.Using the on-line booking wizard module, the consumer may schedule eachof these events at server 108 in one session. For example, uponaccessing server 108, the consumer may provide a promotion code that isunique to the promotion included in the mailing. Upon accessing theon-line booking wizard module, the consumer may be prompted to enterinformation as to whether the consumer accepts the hotel promotion forthe given dates and rates. If the consumer accepts the promotion, server108 may access hotel server 116 and book a reservation in accordancewith the terms in the promotion.

Further, the consumer may accept the golf promotion. Upon acceptance,server 108 may access Tlinks server 120 and schedule the golf round inaccordance with the terms included in the promotion. Finally, uponacceptance of the theater promotion, server 108 may access ticketmasterserver 122 and purchase theater tickets in accordance with the terms ofthe promotion included in the mailing. The consumer may additionally berequired to provide billing information whereby bank server 114 may beaccessed to facilitate the booking of the promotion.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill that the on-line bookingwizard module may allow the consumer to book alternative times, shows,etc., depending upon the consumer's wishes. For example, the consumermay not be interested in golf at 8:30 a.m. However, the on-line bookingwizard may facilitate the booking of golf at 9:30 a.m.

In addition to the features discussed above, the dynamic e-mails thatare created may further be sent to other users for modification andresending. Where a particular marketing promotion is being offered, thefirst user may direct the e-mail to a group of second users. The groupof second users may revise the e-mail and forward the e-mail toconsumers. For example, a hotel has a particular marketing promotion andsends the promotion to a group of travel agents. The hotel, as the firstuser, may generate a dynamic or a single filter e-mail and send thee-mail to the group of second users, a group of travel agents. Thetravel agents may then revise the e-mail, using the HTML formatting tooldiscussed herein. For example, the second user may add sourceinformation promoting the second user's travel agency. Alternatively,the second user may additional add further promotions and/or incentivesto the e-mail. Once the modification process is completed, the user mayestablish the modified e-mail as the generic e-mail, create filters asdiscussed above, and send the e-mail to consumers. Alternatively, thesecond user may merely forward the e-mail to consumers without modifyingany of the dynamic components in the e-mail.

Reporting

In addition to the features discussed above, the system has the abilityto generate reports utilizing the data included in database 110. FIGS.7A-7D depict exemplary reports provided to a user based upon informationstored in the system. 7A depicts an exemplary report that identifies thenumber of YTD e-mailers within the past three months, the total numberof registrations, the number of distinct people to register and the newe-mails received through the sweeps. FIG. 7B depicts and exemplaryreport that lists the questions that were provided by the user using thedynamic data profiling system module and the answers that were providedby consumers. FIG. 7C depicts a report that summarizes the consumersstored in the system by categorizing them into A lists, B lists, and Clists. For example, if a consumer has answered 4 questions and they werea previous guest, he may be categorized within the A list. If a consumerhas answered 4 questions but that customer was not a previous guest,then he may be categorized within the B list. If the only informationabout the consumer within the system is an e-mail address, then theconsumer may be categorized within the C list. As the consumer operateswithin the system, and as the profile of the consumer builds, he maymove from the C list to the B list.

By generating this report, the results provide valuable information to auser as the user can identify which consumers are more likely to acceptcertain offers. This may direct a user's advertising and may reduce theamount a user spends on advertising. This may also be done bydetermining how many A list consumers have opened and clicked throughe-mails i.e., acted on link in e-mail. This report may additionally beutilized as a trending report where the user may see how the listquality is growing.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that thecategories may be identified using different criteria. For example, anA+ category may be established whereby any consumer that has opened ane-mail and clicked through the links may fall within this category.

FIG. 7D depicts an exemplary return on investment (ROI) report and mayprovide information including the total sweepstakes registrants, thenumber of unique registrants, etc.

Additional Applications

In addition the modules discussed therein, systems and methodsconsistent with the principles of the present invention provide for an11^(th) hour tee time module. Consumers, utilizing the 11^(th) hour teetime module may schedule tee times at various locations throughout theUnited States at one location on the network. FIG. 8 depicts anexemplary system environment for implementing the features consistentwith some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8A,servers 802, 804, and 806 reside on network 106 and represent, forexample, Hotels.com, expedia.com, Hyatt.com, respectively. These serversmay access Zdirect server 108 through network 106.

Consumers, through client device 102, may access servers 802, 804, and806 through network 106. Upon access to server 802, for example, theconsumer may look to book a hotel through the website offered atHotels.com. Upon completion of the booking, the consumer may view anicon identifying 11^(th) hour tee times. Upon selecting the icon, theconsumer may then, through a hyperlink, be directed to server 108,where, through an interface provided at server 108, the consumer mayview available tee times real time at various golf courses located, forexample, near the hotel the consumer has just booked at Hotels.com. Asthe consumer is inquiring about tee times at server 108, server 108accesses server 120 with the appropriate queries. Tlinks server 120 hasaccess to other servers on network 106 that provide informationregarding availability at golf courses throughout the United States. Assuch, the consumer may schedule tee times at server 108, where server108 scheduled the tee times through server 120.

It may be appreciated that upon the scheduling of the tee times, theconsumer may be required to enter billing information, where server 108may access the consumer's financial institution to confirm payment.

It may further be appreciated that, as each consumer schedules a teetime at server 108 through the hyperlink provided at servers 802, 804,etc., a commission may be paid to the host of servers 802, 804, etc., asthe consumer was directed to the 11^(th) hour tee time site based uponthe “referral” at servers 802, 804, etc.

FIG. 8B depicts the process performed within the system environment asthe consumer schedules tee times.

It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that thefeatures discussed herein are directed to a horizontal application,which may be applied against any vertical market.

Features consistent with principles of some embodiments of the presentinvention, further provide for the Resource Optimizing Smart MailCommerce System, a way to create custom packages for individuals withinlists. A completely opt-in system, the system is a Content Tool designedto send and receive mail via e-mail, postcards, or other channels(methods of delivery). It maximizes information (i.e. content,demographics, etc.) by creating dynamic individually generated e-mailsor postcards based upon selects or criterion and rules (to verify thecompatibility of various combined criteria), and various channels ofdelivery may be utilized to send the individually generated informationto the recipient. A push/send list is thus created from customerinformation based upon rules and characteristics. The system is designedto determine whether or not selects or criterion can be combined or aremutually exclusive. The ability to determine exclusivity and to resolveconflicts is a characteristic of the system, which creates designatedindividualized packages (with regard to e-mail it may in the form of anHTML and text e-mail) for opt-in consumers whosedemographics/information are already known.

The system uses a dynamic commerce system that allows for easy varianceof the criterion and rules. Individuals who receive e-mails or postcardscreated via the System may not see alternatives in the postcard ore-mail itself. In other words, the e-mail or postcard may come as analready designated package (targeted to the person as a package with allthings the person would want to do) which may not be manipulated oraltered by the consumer. Rather, as discussed above, if the channel ofdelivery is via e-mail, the recipient of the e-mail, upon clicking onthe e-mail itself, will be sent to a given URL or web page where he/shecan make a purchase and possibly see alternatives to the designatedpackage, which was constructed for him/her. If the channel of deliveryis a postcard or mailed package, the consumer can either go to the URLaddress given on the postcard and proceed accordingly or can call aspecified number included within the postcard itself to make areservation and purchase.

Examples

1. Bob's Vacation World owns a resort/condo complex, some golf courses,and several restaurants in the Orlando area. Bob calls Zmail to ask forassistance in sending out vacation package information to vacationerswho have previously stayed at Bob's Vacation World. Bob sends his listof previous vacationers along with various demographic and specificinformation about them to Zmail. This list is used to create selects orcriterion and a logical rule-based system in the form of an interface.These are the Bob's Vacation World rules which, along with a series ofdefault rules provided by the administrator (if Bob's Vacation World'srules do not apply or the demographic/specific information is notavailable), determine the content of the e-mail or postcard. The systemwill allow a “Golf and Gourge” package to go out to those who haveexpressed an interest in golf and an interest in buffet-style eateries.Individuals on the list who have indicated such interests will receivean e-mail or postcard created just for them—they will be given a packageconsisting of nothing but golf, food, and accommodations. Individualswho have expressed no specific interest in golf and buffet-stylerestaurants might receive the default “Disneyland” package, which mayconsist of a combination of lodging, eating, and entry to Disneyworld.

2. A restaurant provides a discounted 5-course meal to would-be patrons.To some of their potential customers, the restaurant provides a packagedeal of steak, potato, dessert, etc. and to other potential patrons (whoare vegetarians) a vegetarian ensemble of foods.

3. An Electronics Boutique offers discounts to would-be customers ifthey buy sets or packages of electronic devices at the same time.

The System is also designed to prevent the generation of contradictorypostcards or e-mails or illogical combinations by implementing rules.Certain combinations of variables will not be allowed by the system ifthey are illogical, present time conflicts (i.e. someone is staying forone day at a resort; it would not make sense to send that person anoffer to visit two theme parks), or are inconsistent.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary flow diagram that describes the systemdisclosed herein consistent with some embodiments of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 9, static and dynamic content are stored indatabase 110 for access by the user in creating a dynamically generatede-mail (Step 902). Alternatively, the content may be obtained from aremote device.

The user may also create a set of questions to be presented to potentialconsumers who choose to opt-into the system. The user may configure thequestions in a manner described with regard to the dynamic dataprofiling module discussed above.

In establishing the information to be included in the e-mail, the userentered information into buckets (Step 904). The information to beincluded in the buckets includes at least one content designation,static and/or dynamic and filters that are used to select which contentshould be selected from the bucket. The buckets are additionallyidentified as mandatory and optional. If the bucket is mandatory, thenone piece of content must be selected for including in the mailing. Ifthe bucket is optional, then if, after applying the filters, there is noappropriate content to select, no content may be selected from theoptional bucket for including in the mailing. Typically only one pieceof content may be selected from each bucket.

In addition to the above information, the user may associate at leastone rate with each piece of content. This rate represents how much valueis associated with each piece of content. In establishing theinformation with each bucket, the user selects a rate to be associatedwith each piece of content that is included in the bucket. As thedynamic mailing is generated, and the content is selected from eachbucket, a total value for the mailing is generated by adding each valueassociated with each piece of selected content.

By using the HTML formatting tool discussed above, the user may generatea generic e-mail template (Step 906). During this process, the useridentifies areas in the mailing that correspond to the content that isto be selected from each of the buckets. The user may also use the HTMLformatting tool to add and format the content, text, border content,etc.

The user may then identify a list of prospective recipients or consumers(Step 908). This list may be stored in database 110. The list ofprospective recipients includes preferences associated with each of theprospective recipients. The filters are then applied to the identifiedlist where the content identified in the buckets is selected based uponthe preferences stored in the database 110 (Step 910). A mailing blastis then generated (Step 912) which establishes a set of mailings to besent. The mailings may then be transmitted (Step 914).

Optionally, prior to transmitting the mailings, the template or thecompleted mailing may be processed through the efficiency of deliverymodule to determine the likelihood of success of a successfultransmission to see if any spam software is likely to block the mailingtransmission.

Modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A method for generating dynamic mailings, the method comprising:providing for at least one static content and at least one dynamiccontent; generating, without request by a prospective recipient, adynamic mailing to the prospective recipient including at least onestatic content and at least one dynamic content, wherein the inclusionof the at least one dynamic content is determined by applying at leastone filter associated with the at least one dynamic content; andestablishing a plurality of buckets, wherein each of the plurality ofbuckets includes at least one dynamic content and further includes atleast one filter for selecting a dynamic content to be included in thegenerated dynamic mailing, a plurality of dynamic mailings to differentprospective recipients are generated, each of the plurality of dynamicmailings including at least one static content and at least one dynamiccontent, the at least one static content in each of the plurality ofdynamic mailings is the same, and the at least one dynamic content ineach of the plurality of dynamic mailings is selected for insertion intothe dynamic mailing from the same collection of dynamic contents, byapplying the same at least one filter on profiles of each of thedifferent prospective recipients.
 2. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding: storing information associated with the prospectiverecipient; determining if the at least one dynamic content is to beincluded in the generated dynamic mailing by applying the at least onefilter using the stored information associated with the prospectiverecipient.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: storing atleast one rate associated with the at least one static content and theat least one dynamic content; and calculating the sum of ratesassociated with the at least one static content and the at least onedynamic content to be included in the generated dynamic mailing.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: assigning to each of theplurality of buckets an indication of one of mandatory and optional,wherein when the bucket is assigned as a mandatory bucket, one dynamiccontent contained therein must be included in the generated dynamicmailing, and wherein when the bucket is assigned as an optional bucket,one dynamic content contained therein may be included in the generateddynamic mailing depending upon the application of the at least onefilter.
 5. An apparatus for generating dynamic mailings, comprising: amemory storing instructions; and a processor executing the instructionsto perform a method including: providing for at least one static contentand at least one dynamic content; generating, without request by aprospective recipient, a dynamic mailing to the prospective recipient,including at least one static content and at least one dynamic contentwherein the inclusion of the at least one dynamic content is determinedby applying at least one filter associated with the at least one dynamiccontent; and establishing a plurality of buckets, wherein each of theplurality of buckets includes at least one dynamic content and furtherincludes at least one filter for selecting a dynamic content to beincluded in the generated dynamic mailing, a plurality of dynamicmailings to different prospective recipients are generated, each of theplurality of dynamic mailings including at least one static content andat least one dynamic content, the at least one static content in each ofthe plurality of dynamic mailings is the same, and the at least onedynamic content in each of the plurality of dynamic mailings is selectedfor insertion into the dynamic mailing from the same collection ofdynamic contents, by applying the same at least one filter on profilesof each of the different prospective recipients.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the method performed by the processor further includes:storing information associated with the prospective recipient;determining if the at least one dynamic content is to be included in thegenerated dynamic mailing by applying the at least one filter using thestored information associated with the prospective recipient.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the method performed by the processorfurther comprises: storing at least one rate associated with the atleast one static content and the at least one dynamic content; andcalculating the sum of rates associated with the at least one staticcontent and the at least one dynamic content to be included in thegenerated dynamic mailing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein themethod performed by the processor further comprises: assigning to eachof the plurality of buckets an indication of one of mandatory andoptional, wherein when the bucket is assigned as a mandatory bucket, onedynamic content contained therein must be included in the generateddynamic mailing, and wherein when the bucket is assigned as an optionalbucket, one dynamic content contained therein may be included in thegenerated dynamic mailing depending upon the application of the at leastone filter.
 9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, storinginstructions, executed by a processor, for performing a method forgenerating dynamic mailings, the method comprising: providing for atleast one static content and at least one dynamic content; generating,without request by a prospective recipient, a dynamic mailing to theprospective recipient including at least one static content and at leastone dynamic content wherein the inclusion of the at least one dynamiccontent is determined by applying at least one filter associated withthe at least one dynamic content; and establishing a plurality ofbuckets, wherein each of the plurality of buckets includes at least onedynamic content and further includes at least one filter for selecting adynamic content to be included in the generated dynamic mailing, aplurality of dynamic mailings to different prospective recipients aregenerated, each of the plurality of dynamic mailings including at leastone static content and at least one dynamic content, the at least onestatic content in each of the plurality of dynamic mailings is the same,and the at least one dynamic content in each of the plurality of dynamicmailings is selected for insertion into the dynamic mailing from thesame collection of dynamic contents, by applying the same at least onefilter on profiles of each of the different prospective recipients. 10.The computer-readable medium of claim 9, the method further including:storing information associated with the prospective recipient;determining if the at least one dynamic content is to be included in thegenerated dynamic mailing by applying the at least one filter using thestored information associated with the prospective recipient.
 11. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 10, the method further comprising:storing at least one rate associated with the at least one staticcontent and the at least one dynamic content; and calculating the sum ofrates associated with the at least one static content and the at leastone dynamic content to be included in the generated dynamic mailing. 12.The computer-readable medium of claim 9, the method further comprising:assigning to each of the plurality of buckets an indication of one ofmandatory and optional, wherein when the bucket is assigned as amandatory bucket, one dynamic content contained therein must be includedin the generated dynamic mailing, and wherein when the bucket isassigned as an optional bucket, one dynamic content contained thereinmay be included in the generated dynamic mailing depending upon theapplication of the at least one filter.